Wish List: What gun for a College Graduation Gift?

Family has hinted asking what fun gift I would want for a college graduation present. I don't expect anything and have told them that I don't need anything. Just for fun, what gun would you ask for a college graduation gift? Let's assume that the budget is around $1000? Then what would you want For around $3000 (any NFA besides Mac-10/11)?

Robinson Arms XCR, not big on 5.56 but I would love to get the conversion in 6.8spc or later 7.62x39 or .308
http://www.robarm.com/prodimages/XCR-Angle2.gif

Shotguns:
I would want another converted Saiga 12, or possibly a FN Tactical Police Shotgun

Pistol Caliber Carbine:
DOJ HK94 or other HK clone in 9mm

AR in 7.62x25 Tokarev

Are there any NFA out there for ~$3000? Possibly a good (read FUN) investment

Or would you just want a cheap motorcycle or something?

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Lobotomy Boy

April 26, 2006, 12:02 PM

I'd go for something that has real value when suggesting a gift gun meant to commemorate something like a graduation. The CZ would make a nice tool, but I don't really see it as an heirloom. Same with an AK or most of the other guns you mention.

How about an antique? You should be able to find the best Woodsman or Model 41 on the market for less than $1,000. Those would be antiques you could use rather than just having a safe queen.

If you go the shotgun route, how about something really nice like a Benelli Super Black Eagle II? That will run a couple of hundred over your stated price, but it is a gun you could use and keep as a family heirloom.

If you want a centerfire pistol, you should be able to find a terrific 1911 for that price. You could even get a nice 1911 chambered in 9mm if you want to save money on ammo.

If you want something more practical, how about a 9mm Glock and $500 in ammo and range tokens?

Just_a_dude_with_a_gun

April 26, 2006, 12:15 PM

congrats, and good for you!

:( I got a crisp $100 bill when I graduated from college, that I happened to have paid for myself.

None of those strike me as a clear, 'head and shoulders above' winner.

Cool is fine, but I would look into some that is absolutely the most useful.
A SA Socom 16 would be a fine choice. As would SIG P226, or HK USP chambered in .40s&w. Or perhaps both the M1 socom and the Pistol. :)

svtruth

April 26, 2006, 12:49 PM

I would lean towards something classic, something that will last a lifetime. Maybe a pre-lock S&W .357, Colt Anaconda, Ruger Redhawk, etc.
Good luck.

I took a stock stainless colt government put ivory stocks on it. Changed the beavertail to a Brown. Had under the trigger cut extra high and the front strap checkered. I am now having a Kart Barrel put in it with a match bushing. This summer it will go off to an engraver for full coverage in a Biblical Motif( Not sure exactly what maybe a sword and Bible engraved) I will give this to my son when he graduates from Bible college. It will come in under 3k probably around 2500. I will be proud to be the father of a pistol packing preacher.

Mike

marklbucla

April 26, 2006, 01:50 PM

I agree in that your college graduation gift should be a gun that will last generations and be something to carry a positive image for the rest of your life. Whatever you choose, make sure that it's a gun that you'll never ever wish to sell and will likely hold sentimental value for you.

That said, I did this:

If you want a centerfire pistol, you should be able to find a terrific 1911 for that price. You could even get a nice 1911 chambered in 9mm if you want to save money on ammo.

http://img283.imageshack.us/img283/6171/file5215a4wy.jpg

It's a Springfield since that was the only option for me in the PRK when I passed my Comprehensives for my Master's Degree.

I would ask for a full sized semi-auto M14 style rifle. An early Springfield Armory with all USGI parts would be great. Plus mags and other goodies.

Socom is ok the Bush rifle is better, But give me the fullsize battle rifle anyday.

Brother in Arms

Tiny in Ohio

April 26, 2006, 02:31 PM

I would ask for a Browning O/U 12ga. This is something that will last your lifetime and that of your children as well. And nothing is classier than a fine O/U shotgun. FWIW.....

Dr.Rob

April 26, 2006, 03:06 PM

I got an early 50's vintage Colt Lightweight Commander .45 when I graduated college... I hadn't asked for it.

Great gift from my then GF's father.

My parents bought me a car.

kngflp

April 26, 2006, 03:23 PM

I was actually thinking of applying whatever graduation money I may get to either a CZ Tactical Sport or a Converted Saiga 12 so I will suggest these. They are both somthing I have lusted after for quite some time but would never actually buy for myself. I also want a Garand but I don't really have a place to shoot rifles and rarely shoot the ones I do have. I am also thinking of taking the money ang applying it to a new car or bike....but I also have so much skin left with no ink....I am sure my grandmothers and aunt would be pleased to know that my graduation money went to more tattoos.

JAG2955

April 26, 2006, 08:26 PM

I got all the pieces to assemble a Stag Arms AR-15, and will hopefully put it together this weekend.

Cacique500

April 26, 2006, 10:56 PM

I agree in that your college graduation gift should be a gun that will last generations and be something to carry a positive image for the rest of your life.

Big +1

A nice medium to 'high end' 1911 ;)

aguyindallas

April 26, 2006, 11:00 PM

I vote for a combo of things.

Glock 19 or 23 $500.00 or less

and

Remington 870 $300ish

It gets all defensive and carry bases handled and will keep you in your budget of $1000 or less AND will even leave room for some ammo.

Or, in place of ammo, get the 2 guns and a shooting class lined up.

Both of those guns will last a lifetime. They are popular and fun. Sure to be a home run.

ReadyontheRight

April 26, 2006, 11:03 PM

Either:
-A Colt Python
-A nice 1911
-An O/U Shotgun
or
-An M1A

evan price

April 26, 2006, 11:08 PM

Kel-Tech Sub-2000 Carbine, neat little gun. Get it with the SIG 226 Magazine system, then buy a SIG 226. Then you can share mags with the SIG and have a rifle that matches.

Autolycus

April 26, 2006, 11:23 PM

A nice 1911 that was customized with the user in mind. Its more personal and a non stock weapon is classier. And you definately have to get some leather to match it.

ApexinM3

April 26, 2006, 11:28 PM

Hartzpad,
First, congats on your upcoming graduation. I'm sure it was a long road, but you'll be happy you did it.

For $1k: Pistol would be S&W 686P-reliable, accurate, classy, & timeless. Rifle would be SA M1A-though you may have a little difficulty finding one for a grand or less. Shotgun would be a Remington 870 Police Max. The FN Tacto-cool Police Shotgun is cool as well.

For $3k: the Nighthawk GRP or Wilson Combat CQB have all the bells & whistles you could ever want in a cool package. Rifle: SA M1A SOCOM 16 or HK91 (yes, they are out there, you just have to look). Shotguns: Benelli M3S90 or M4. All great guns & a hoot to shoot. The bottom line is this: check out a bunch of guns, find one you REALLY like, and go for it. No regrets, and get something that will be timeless.

Whatever you decide on, I recommend staying away from the motorcycle-they will always be around & likely won't be limited in options. Besides, they depreciate...just don't ask me how I know! Cheers!

SSTHitman

April 26, 2006, 11:41 PM

My parents bought me a Citori XT for graduation.........awesome present that will never go out of style!

lamazza

April 26, 2006, 11:58 PM

Bushmaster M4 and 1000 rounds of .223

Greek

April 27, 2006, 11:44 AM

M1 Garand

beaucoup ammo

April 27, 2006, 12:35 PM

Para Ordnance SSP PX745E .45 ACP / Trigger Pull is 5.3 Lbs.

It looks great, and a magazine I put some trust in ("Gun Tests"..NO ADVERTISING) highly recommends it as a "Best Buy." With no vested interest as is the case with other publications, these guys seem as unbiased a group as you'll find..magazine-wise.

I've shot one myself and really liked it.

As a college graduate, something I never pulled off (i've discovered, however, sometimes it's not what you know..but who you know) you deserve a little goodie I have coming my way: A S&W, Gas Operated Semi-Auto, M&P 15T..chambered in 5.56mm NATO. It's based on the ever popular (with me anyway, AR-15). It runs around $1700..but in your case, as is mine, it's a gift so who cares?!

Enjoy And Congrats!

The_Antibubba

April 27, 2006, 11:13 PM

If you're getting your degree in the Liberal Arts, make sure the gun's finish is resistant to fryer oil! :neener:

Get a gun that is as much a joy to the eye and touch as it is to shoot. Get a Swedish Mauser. The craftmanship is probably the best I've ever seen, and though increasingly difficult to obtain, can still be gotten in excellent condition. And Swedish steel is just magical. Go for the 1896-the longer barrel.

As far as handguns go, the majority here seems to like the 1911. I'm neutral on them myself. I like the FN Hi-Power's myself. Both are the children of J.M. Browning, and both will hold up a few centuries with care. And parts are plentiful, too.

The stamped, molded, and modular guns of today will be around for a long time. Get yourself something that was made by the hands of gifted artisans who were proud of their work!

PlayboyPenguin

April 27, 2006, 11:16 PM

$1000- A set of nice SA Ruger revolvers

$3000- A nice set of SA Colt revolvers or three sets of nice Ruger Revolvers :)

adaman04

April 27, 2006, 11:21 PM

For my college graduation, next year, I'm hoping for a carry gun as I plan on having my CCW by around that time. I am definitely going to have to join the 442/642 club. I know, its a disease! :D

repo

April 27, 2006, 11:21 PM

Personally I'd ask for the M1A or XCR (dont know if they are shipping yet). If you want a gun you'll keep forever and have sentimental value as a graduation gift, then probably a 1911 because its a classic.

Ala Dan

April 28, 2006, 06:42 AM

Les Baer 1911 Thunder Ranch Special .45ACP

Norton

April 28, 2006, 07:48 AM

Put me in the "get a classic" category.

The suggestion for a Garand was a good one as was the 1911.

I like to shoot trap and, to me, a nice shotgun with good wood and nice lines just screams as a commemorative for a "life event".

only1asterisk

April 28, 2006, 07:56 AM

5" Registered Magnum

David

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